August 2, 2006

Turkey prepares for possible bird flu outbreaks in autumn

Turkey's Health Ministry asked regional health authorities to prepare for the possibility of bird flu outbreaks during the autumn migration and brace for new and deadlier strains that could spread from person to person, an official said Tuesday (Aug 1).

Harsh winters in eastern Turkey forced many poultry owners to take their chickens inside their homes, leading to close contact between humans and potentially infected birds.

Migrating birds are expected to arrive by fall and Turkey hopes to get a head start in combating the virus.

A ministry circular sent to regional health authorities said an outbreak brought by migratory birds could be even more dangerous.

It ordered regional offices to start bird flu preparations by enhancing preventative measures they already have in place, a Health Ministry official said.